Prepare To Be Inspired By This Blind Skateboarder

If you need an extra push to face something that frightens or intimidates you today, think about Tommy Carroll.

Carroll has been skateboarding since he was 10 years old. He has been blind since he was two. The young college student loves waking up early and going to the skatepark to practice when there is no one around.

“I’m always constantly using the sound of my wheels to check if there’s anything in my way,” he says. “Gives me a sense of direction.”

Watch the above video to see him in action and hear him tell his story.

“I always felt pressure to try to be the very best at any given skate park because if I was only ‘good’ people would judge me as just being great for a blind skater. I wanted to be a great skater, period,” he says.

Word of Carroll’s incredible story — and talent — eventually reached the ears of pro-Skateboarder Tony Hawk, and last June the pro-Skateboarder decided to fly to Carroll’s hometown of Glenview, Illinois to meet him. The two ended spending the day skateboarding together.

In the awe-inspiring Vimeo video (above), Carroll shares the following message with viewers: “I think everybody should know that everything happens for a reason and that there’s always a way to overcome an obstacle if you really want it enough.”

Tell us: Are you inspired by Tommy Carroll? Share your reactions in the comments below or tweet @huffpostteen!